Topic 1 - Superposition and interference

Question 1

superposition

Answer 1

is the interaction between more than 1 wave. they can be moving in the same direction or opposite

Question 2

when 2 waves meet

Answer 2

they add up (constructive interference)

Cancel out (destructive interference)

Question 3

Diffraction

Answer 3

is the bending of waves passing through a gap or around a corner.
max diffraction occurs when the wavelength is the same size as the gap

Question 4

diffraction grating

Answer 4

is a plate with many closely spaced parallel slits. It causes the light to diffract as it passes through which produces widely spaced interference patterns as a result of the superposition of waves from the man slits.

more slits more interference

Question 5

diffraction gratting equation

Answer 5

n wavelength = d sin( theta )